"You know the first rule of combat? Shoot them before they shoot you."~ Faye Valentine [Cowboy Bebop]

Myself as Faye Valentine. Photos taken by Al [Eurobeat King] at A-Kon 2009. I have a number of glamour/artistic shots of this little number that I can't wait to upload, but I also wanted to post a collage to show the craftsmanship of the costume. The top and shorts are made from a beautiful yellow stretch satin. This was my first time working with stretch tafetta, but I can now safely say it is among my favourite fabrics! [I decided to forego pleather because it just seemed like a headache waiting to happen. Everything I was finding was either TOO neon or too buttery, TOO shiny or too matte, TOO thick or not stretchy enough. Plus I just really love the texture of the tafetta!] The red jacket was a lucky find at Goodwill, and I stripped the buttons and pockets off of it, since Faye's jacket is undecorated. The boots are altered from a pair of white knee-hi boots. Try as I might, I could not find a pair of white boots with both her rounded toe and modest heel, so I was left with two options: pointed toe and correct heel or correct toe and stripper heels. I figured my stumpy legs could use the height, so I went with the latter. ^__^ Various promotional artworks show Faye wearing stockings ranging in colour from violet to white to nude to tan. I chose tan for the same reason I chose a more subdued purple-black for my wig: I was aiming for a more natural look. Speaking of the wig, it functions as a 3/4 wig [ie, it sits back from my hairline]. Borrowing an idea from one of my favourite Faye cosplayers, Dia, I coloured my natural widow's peak purple with an eyeliner pencil and allowed the headband to mask the seam between my own hair and the wig. I have to sincerely thank Jet Texas for the Glock, which happens to be an exact replica of Faye's gun. I had been carrying the wrong gun for my Opera Faye costume the previous year at A-Kon and he was kind enough to bestow upon me the appropriate gun from his own collection. What a swell guy!

Please no critiques/criticism. I'd like to keep this gallery happy! <3

Sorry! I'm just a tad bit confused by reading the description, did you use stretch taffeta or stretch satin for the yellow?

I absolutely love how it shines, it's incredible! I thought it was PVC or pleater that was just... well used?, but I stand corrected! Must know this remarkable fabric to avoid using PVC in future costumes *__*

It's a stretch taffeta. For some reason, I only ever find it in the clearance section of Joanns. It never is put out for regular price, and pops up very randomly, usually at the end of spring when the prom dress fabric is being marked down. Completely bizarre! Despite searching for hours, I've only found it online on eBay, in a store that sells it for $14.99/yd. At that price, I don't think I'll ever use it except for very, very tiny costume pieces. Definitely a source of torment for me, because it is THE most amazing fabric ever. Once you use it, you'll never settle for any other stretch fabric again!

That's such a shame! The results from using that fabric are amazing! It's clean, not crinkled and gives such a gorgeous shine *__*I hope I can find this fabric in my city, atleast in the colour I need x__x!Thank you for responding

This is a gorgeous costume, and I love all of the little details that you used to make it look more realistic and natural. I love your fabric choices, too, by the way--I've never seen a Faye costume with pleather that I really liked, but the texture and color of yours looks gorgeous.

First of all, I'd like to say I've always adored how well you cosplay and how well you make your costumes.

And I kinda feel funny sayin this, but thank you very much for your discription... I've been plannin a Faye costume for a while myself, and well, was having the same fabric issues. I never even thought of using a stretch taffeta. I was almost to the point of commissioning this costume because I was stumped! lol. So thanks for sharing your hard work with the rest of us!(And I really hope this doesn't sound like I'm ripping you off, sorry if it does.. eheh)

As everyone has already said, this cosplay is amazingly realistic and natural, and you look absolutely fabulous in Faye's shoes (literal and figurative). Hopefully the actress they hire on for the live action Cowboy Bebop looks as great as you do.

I don't know muh about fabrics, but the yellow you chose looks fantastic. It has such a lovely shine to it without being overpowering. If you don't mind me asking, I have a few questions about the wig. How did you get it to stay on? I would think a wig that far back would be heavy and try and slip off. Also, it looks gorgeously natural. Did you thin is out a little to give it that feathered look? Thank you, koumori

Thank you! The wig is only pushed back an inch or so further than it would normally be and the wig cap keeps it fairly snug on my head. A few bobby pins would keep it from budging completely, but that's normally not an issue. The wig began as a mid-back length wig, so yes, it is entirely styled by me.

Ah, I see. (sorry for the barrage of questions) Do you have any advice about wig styling? I have very little experience with it and am trying to work up the courage to style my second Edward Elric wig. (attempt one was a total flop). -k

Honestly, I don't. Just start hacking and see where it gets you. Eventually you'll learn what to do and what not to do. It's tough at first, and you'll end up trashing a few wigs, but before long you'll become more confident in your styling and simple cuts will be a breeze. Try buying up some cheap wigs on eBay or at a Halloween store to practice on, if you're truly nervous about something. Better to trash bag wigs than good ones. ^__^

Wow, I didn't realize you modified those boots yourself!! They look amazing, and I think the heel is perfect for Faye. The wig looks awesome, I think the deeper purple suits her more than a lot of the bright purple wigs I've seen. XD Great job as always!